Page 188 of Between Secrets and Obsession

It’s been two weeks since Maddie was released from the hospital. She recovered fine and the cut on her head is barely visible now. Two days afterward, she was able to go back to school but was told to take it easy for a week, which meant limited dancing. I’ve apologized so many times that she’s started slapping my chest to stop me from feeling guilty.

The anxiety I had when Victoria was following our every move has returned. I’m not sure this feeling will go away anytime soon, not until I find out who’s responsible for this. Though there’s an investigation, the detectives and police have zero leads. I’m sure this won’t ever be solved because whoever did it knew exactly what they were doing not to leave any evidence behind. So until I give them names for people who may want me dead, they have no idea where to start. The problem is, I’m on too many people’s shit list.

Once Maddie gets out of the shower, I have my final tux fitting for Sophie and Mason’s wedding that’s in two weeks. Maddie said she’d join me, and we’re making an afternoon out of it. Honestly, I can’t believe the big day is almost here. I feel as if I’m losing track of time. Maybe it’s because so much shit has happened in the past year that my head is still spinning from it all.

Soon, Maddie comes downstairs smelling like honey. I want to eat her up, but considering we got naked and sweaty beforeshe went upstairs and my appointment is in thirty minutes, there’s no way.

“What?” She laughs, drying her long hair with a towel.

I stand and cross the room until I’m in front of her. Without saying a word, I dip down and place a chaste kiss on her lips, and she melts into me, releasing a long sigh. “You taste good,” she whispers across my lips.

“You do too.” I want her again.

“You’re insatiable, you know that?”

I lift an eyebrow at her. “You’re not complaining, are you?”

“Of course not!” She pulls me close to her. “But we don’t have much time.”

“All I need is fifteen minutes,” I purr against her ear. “Ten if you scream my name really loud.”

She throws her head back and laughs before grabbing my hand, then leads me to the bedroom. In a snap, we undress and are on the bed, fucking like our lives depend on it. Considering we’re home alone, Maddie moans loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear. It doesn’t take long before we’re both unraveling and losing ourselves with each other again. She topples on my chest, trying to catch her breath. “Damn.”

“Same.” I smile, wrapping my arms around her body.

“Can we skip the fitting and stay here all day?”

I chuckle hard. “Sophie will murder us both. You want that?”

She pouts. “No. You’re right. Better get going.”

We clean up and put on our clothes, then we’re out the door. On the drive over, Maddie talks about the wedding and how excited she is for Sophie and Mason.

“So, I wanted to talk to you about something,” I say. “I know you mentioned you’d stay with your parents in Tahoe City, but I was thinking you could stay with me instead.”

Her eyes widen. “My parents will know I’m with you. They wouldn’t approve.”

“Do your parents make all your decisions for you?” I challenge, knowing the answer as she looks down at the butterfly tattoo on her wrist.

“Well…” She pauses. “No, but it’s best if they don’t know about our sleeping arrangement.”

I park the truck, not wanting to put her in an uncomfortable position. “Okay then, never mind.”

“No, no. I’d love to stay with you, but I need to figure out what to tell them.”

Leaning over, I slide my lips across hers. “Tell them you’d rather fuck your boyfriend all weekend.”

She rears back and playfully slaps my arm. “Pretty sure my dad would kill you. Nope, he definitely would.”

“Then I guess he can get in line.” I smack my lips against hers real quick before we get out of the truck and walk inside the shop.

Once we’re through the doors, one of the sales reps named Thomas grabs my tux and guides me into a dressing room. He gives me shoes and a red tie to complete the look. It all gives me reminders of Victoria and how she forced me to get fitted for expensive suits. I push the thoughts away as quickly as they come and adjust my tie before stepping out and showing Maddie.

Her mouth falls open as she studies me from head to toe. “Uhh.”

I smooth my hands down my chest. “Do I look okay?”

Maddie swallows hard. “No words.” She walks toward me and wraps her arms around my waist. “You look like a hot CEO or something.”